[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 35 (Monday, March 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF MR. STEWART A. RESNICK

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Stewart A. 
Resnick as he is honored by the Ag One Foundation at California State 
University, Fresno. Hosted by the Jordan College of Agricultural 
Sciences and Technology at Fresno State, the Ag One Foundation was 
established in 1979 to ``benefit, promote, and support the college and 
its programs.'' The Ag One Foundation hosts an annual Community Salute 
where distinguished individuals are recognized for their commitment to 
the success of Fresno State students and California agriculture. This 
year, the Ag One Foundation is recognizing Mr. Resnick, not only for 
his impressive business ventures, but also for his admirable commitment 
to the growth of California's San Joaquin Valley and innovative 
agricultural practices.
  Mr. Resnick grew up in New Jersey and headed to California with his 
family in the 1950s. Mr. Resnick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in 
business administration, as well as a law degree from the University of 
California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While a student, Mr. Resnick 
demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his first business, 
a janitorial services company. Since then, he and his wife Lynda have 
worked tirelessly to cultivate a number of thriving companies.
  Mr. Resnick and his wife own and manage Roll International and its 
companies, including: Teleflora, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Paramount 
Citrus, Paramount Farms and Farming, Suterra, JUSTIN Vineyards and 
Winery, and Landmark Vineyards. He is a longtime supporter of the arts, 
education, and health care. Mr. Resnick and his wife have been loyal 
advocates for California's San Joaquin Valley. They have been generous 
in their support of Children's Hospital Central California--in 2006, 
Paramount Farms made a gift of $4 million to the hospital. In addition, 
they founded the Paramount Bard Academy, in the southern San Joaquin 
Valley city of Delano. The school opened its doors in August 2009 and 
serves students in grades 6 12.
  Further demonstrating their commitment to education, the children of 
their employees are afforded scholarship opportunities to support their 
scholastic endeavors and encourage academic excellence. The program has 
awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships to 450 students. In late 
2011; Paramount Farms completed the renovation of a 7-acre park in Lost 
Hills, a small city in Kern County, California. Renovation of this park 
led to a revitalization of community resolve and togetherness. Time and 
time again, Mr. and Mrs. Resnick have proven to be formidable allies 
for the communities in which there employees live and work.
  Mr. Resnick's commitment to philanthropy is truly telling of his 
character--reliable, generous, and compassionate. He has truly been a 
champion for the San Joaquin Valley and its residents. His 
contributions to California's heartland and our nation truly reflect 
the best of what America has to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Stewart A. 
Resnick for his impressive business acumen and his deep commitment to 
improving the San Joaquin Valley. His pioneering work and dedication to 
making meaningful contributions to the Central Valley make him a role 
model and source of pride for all Americans.

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